The third largest island in the Canaries, Gran Canaria is a stunning destination. Steeped in glorious sunshine all year round, Gran Canaria’s thrilling wind surfing, gorgeous colonial villages and mysterious sand dunes beckon you for some much-needed winter sun.
Gran Canaria is an island of many sides. In the north, the island is shrouded in green forest and coffee plantations, whilst the south – where many people holiday – is a beautiful mix of golden beach and soaring sand dunes. Gran Canaria can be as laidback or as active as you like. In Maspalomas and Las Palmas, where we’ve selected our favourite luxury hotels, you have an array of local cafes and shops to explore, as well as glorious beaches where you can choose between sunbathing, wind surfing and spotting wild dolphins on a catamaran cruise.
Home to more than 80 beaches, this is one of our favourite spots for a beach holiday – especially when we’re aching for a bit of sunshine in the winter months. The Canaries are known as the islands of Eternal Spring, and Gran Canaria is no different – the weather is beautiful year-round. We can recommend the best archaeological sites to discover should you want to experience the island’s rich culture, the greatest beaches for families, or the most secluded, lesser known places for if you want to escape the crowds.
Why visit Gran Canaria?
A few of our luxurious resorts reside on Gran Canaria’s most stunning and beloved beach – Maspalomas. Characterised by its incredible backdrop of sand dunes, Maspalomas offers a different view from other beaches in the Canary Islands. Home to several ecosystems including the stunning La Charca Lagoon and colourful birdlife, Maspalomas not only offers opulent hotels and restaurants, but fantastic natural beauty too.
Gran Canaria is perfect for those who love an active holiday. Crystalline lagoons offer amazing diving and snorkelling opportunities, whilst the wind that blows from the eastern side of the island offers the ideal weather for wicked wind surfing. Hop on a catamaran cruise and watch as wild dolphin race past, or enjoy a thrilling jeep safari across the dunes. More relaxing options include hiking, cycling and of course, just having a quick dip in the sea in between sunbathing.
Gran Canaria is steeped in culture, offering gorgeous museums and fascinating archaeological sites. Even the capital Las Palmas is full of culture, including picturesque colonial architecture, a spectacular cathedral and great museums, whilst the old town of Vegueta offers an interesting insight into the island’s past. Take the time to learn about the first settlers in the Canary Islands at Cueva Pintada, or wander to Artenara to discover the archaeological sites that display the aborigine of Gran Canaria.
